One 23 fo(u)r all ! (1,23,4) : Second regard on Fujifilm Fujinon XF23mm F2 R WR

 Although it seems more valorizing to spend (a lot of) time to select a new camera model, it is often the choice of the optic that will be coupled to it that may determinate the level of interest you will dedicate on photography. After all, the angle of view, the versatility and the quality of the lens chosen will impact directly to the satisfaction or not you will resent in evaluating of your picture results. Today photographic gear manufacturers offer you a vast selection of different optics, fix focal and zoom lenses, and it is hard to think that you won't be able to find your own lens sibling for your camera.

The Fujifilm Fujinon XF23mm F2 R WR is not a spectacular lens in any way except, may be, for its compactness and its optical qualities. This lens model is part of an unofficial line of small F2-2.8 Fujinon fix focal lenses that include among others the XF16mm F2.8 R WR, the XF35mm F2 R WR and the XF50mm F2 R WR which are all small optics with the weather resistant feature. My only design critic is for not having harmonized the filter accessory size of all these lenses which are ranging from diameters of 43mm (XF23F2 & XF35F2), 46mm (XF50F2), to 49mm (XF16F2.8).

With an angle of view of 63,4 degrees, the Fujinon XF23mm F2 R WR is a sub-normal lens by giving an extra wide view compared to the usual normal or standard 35mm (44 degrees) in APS-C sensor format. It means that the subject will appear a bit smaller than your own vision (naked eye) but, except for that, the Fujinon XF23mm F2 R WR is relatively easy to apprehend in pre-visualization. As a travel, street, or casual photographer, you can mentally anticipate his/her intended picture frame and compose the scene in its context without really or constantly looking at the camera viewfinder/live screen.

Focus/aperture(pre-set) rings. Many photographers that like to set manually their camera will always appreciate the manufacturer effort to preserve for them the control rings and dials dedicated to the photographic basic parameters (ISO, shutter speed, aperture, focus, etc.) On the Fujinon XF23mm F2 R WR, a large focusing ring (with a smooth turning resistance) and a true aperture ring are offering a positive and manual access to these settings if you want to do so.

Autofocus ability. The autofocus mechanism of the Fujinon XF23mm F2 is silent and fast in almost any type of subject contexts although the focusing accuracy can depend on which camera model you will couple the lens.

A maximum aperture of utility (F2). Beneficing of a moderate maximum aperture like F2 on a modern digital optic is still an advantage over many "standard zoom" lenses that are rating between F4-5.6 smaller opening. One or two stops advantage can be paramount to use a lower ISO or a higher shutter speed in certain subject cases but the price to pay is that the Fujinon XF23mm F2 R WR is a fix focal lens that will ask you to be more mobile for composing your picture.

Weather Resistant, a feature of confidence. We all like to think about durability in regard of our photo gear. In this climatic changing world, things can get for the worst in a very short notice. Knowing that your camera-lens combination can withstand these adversities is reassuring and, may be, offer you new photographic opportunities.

Above average to exceptional optical quality level. At the end, the picture quality is often the most important factor for the photographer who like to rely on his/her photo equipment without second thoughts. The Fujinon XF23mm F2 R WR is part of the finest fix focal optic of their line of lenses. Color rendition and image resolution are at par with the Fuji "pro" lenses. Optical distortion is almost none-existent. A good minimum close focusing distance allows you to photograph smaller subjects but you must remember that is not a true macro lens.

To conclude: a fine versatile optic (with some limitations). During my various travel experiences the Fujinon XF23mm F2 R WR and the older Fuji XF27mm F2.8 R were and still is for the XF23mm F2 R WR, my fix focal lenses of predilection. For sure, their compactness and lightweight were significant factors but without losing any optical quality which is the key factor in selecting them. Discretion, predictability, and reliability are certainly assets for the photographer on the move whatsoever photographic situations he/she is facing. The Fujinon XF23mm F2 R WR lens is totally recommendable as a competent and very useful optic although it won't replace a true telephoto or a larger wide-angle lens which eventual addition could complete your photographic gear.

 More on the Fujinon XF23mm F2 R WR

 

Cayo Largo désertée (mars 2020)

L'année 2020 sera marquée d'une pierre noire pour l'ile de Cayo Largo, avec la fermeture momentanée de son aéroport en début d'année et finalement la désertion complète de l'ile en pleine haute saison touristique de mars 2020 par sa clientèle toujours fidèle mais vaincue par les évènements que l'on connait.

Nous avons fait partie des tous derniers contingents de visiteurs alors que d'ores et déjà la moitié des complexes hôteliers avaient mis fin à leurs opérations et que pour les autres, il ne reste qu'une poignée d'irréductibles.

Malgré toute cette désaffectation exceptionnelle, Cayo Largo a gardé son charme incomparable et sa douceur de vivre au son des vagues déferlantes sur ses plages blanches. Ce refuge parfois rustique demeurera toujours une destination pour celles et ceux qui veulent momentanément s'affranchir du rythme effréné et bruyant de notre société matérialiste.

The Fujinon XF23mm F2.0: the close observer lens

Let us rewind to the analog film days of photography. The 35-50mm taking lenses were kings of their era and were present to almost every manufacturer systems offered. Their maximum aperture were ranging from a modest F3.5 to an astounding F1.2 if you were able to afford it.

With the introduction of electronic autofocus and motorized cameras  they were replaced by a plethora of different trans-standard zoom lenses from the cheapest ones to the expensive "pro" such as the 24-70mm F2.8. And that tendency has been replicated right from the start of the digital cameras era.

With an angle of view of 63 degrees the Fujinon XF23mm F2 R WR can be assimilated as a "eye-normal" standard lens although for some their opinion is that this Fujinon model is a bit too wide to be classified easily in that category. Its close focusing ability is good and this caracteristic contribute largely to its versatility. It is not a (head) portrait optic but surely you can work full body view portrait with confidence and proximity of your main subject.

The Fujinon XF23mm F2 R WR lens is a useful "interior" lens providing you are not looking for a very wide view (the Fujinon XF16mm F2.8 or XF10-24mm F4 R OIS lenses for example should be more interesting choices in that case). For sure in some narrow contexts you will need to contorsion yourself to embrass the whole subject.

Because of its reduced size, this Fujinon XF23mm f2 R WR is a discrete optic and more if it is coupled with a Fujifilm X-E or X-M series camera body. This particular nature will be fully appreciated if you doing street, travel or casual photography in giving you the possibility to be more spontaneous in your activity.

We cannot escape the (Leica) Summicron lens series analogy even if we are speaking of two very different
 lines of optics especially considering the electronic involvement into the Fujinon X-series.

The two control rings of the Fujinon XF23mm F2 R WR allow you to select your aperture and adjust your focus manually if needed or hoped. In the case of the aperture it is handy to be able to better control the deep of field of your subject and also with the focusing ring have the capacity to choose the optimal focus point. The Fujifilm lens hood furnished with the lens is small and none-protuberant (You can leave on almost permanently except if you intend to use optional 43mm screw-in filters).

What about the optical quality image output of the Fujinon XF23mm F2 R WR lens? Suffice to say that I cannot see any noticeable (for me!) between this optic compare to the others Fujifilm XF series lenses. To be more reassured you can consult the numerous technical tests over the web. But in my sens the best way of evaluating a lens for your specific needs is to take pictures with it. It can fit or not your style of photography and respond accordingly to your specific technical way of taking pictures. In some countries Fujifilm offers "try and test" session or even loan programs to do so.

So the Fujinon XF23mm F2 R WR lens is it for you or not? That is the big question. Focal fixed lenses are optics that are asking a photographer adaptability to be ensure their complete useful. So your mobility is a key point of success when you intend to select that category of optics.  If you feel better and confortable to work from a fixed point of view and reframe with a variable focal zoom lens that can be a big issue. On the contrary if you are a kind of "active" photo takers this Fujinon XF23mm F2 R WR can be be an creative and easy manageable answer (as for all the others focal fix Fujinon lenses).

A few years ago I was talking with Billy Luong of Fujifilm Canada about the possibility of creating a king of "bridge" new lens between the existing XF27mm F2.8 and the expensive XF23mm F1.4 R model and I have noticed his smiling facial expression at the moment. Less than one year after this conversation the new Fujinon XF23mm F2 R WR was introduced on the market. Additionaly the Fujinon XF 23mm F2 R WR is now offered as a complementary ("kit") lens combined with various camera body models at a very competitive price point. For many photographers it could a very wise and rewarding choice...

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